African American Graduate Scholarships

Ford Foundation

• The Ford Foundation's mission is to enhance faculty diversity within the nation's leading universities by increasing the number of minority professors. Students who are U.S. citizens, possess excellent academic achievement and maintain an interest in university research can apply for this annual scholarship program. Students receive stipends and research opportunities throughout graduate school.

  Ford Foundation Fellowship Program
  Fellowships Office, Keck 576
  National Research Council
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC 20001
  202-334-2872
  nationalacademies.org

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

• The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Educational Advancement Foundation awards academically successful African American graduate students through fellowships, community assistance and academic scholarships. The foundation awarded more than 100 scholarships totaling to $197,732 in 2009. Merit and financial need scholarships range from $750 to $2,500. Students who surpass academic standards or demonstrate financial need are granted non-renewable scholarships. Applicants are judged on the following criteria: service, grade point average, sophomore status or higher and enrollment. Those in community service are offered funding to engage in specific service programs or independent projects. Awards for volunteers range from $750 to $1,500.

  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
  Educational Advancement Foundation
  5656 South Stony Island
  Chicago, IL 60637
  800-653-6528
  akaeaf.org

United Negro College Fund

• The United Negro College Fund Merck Science Initiative awards 12 graduate school candidates with dissertation fellowships each year. The Merck Institute for Science Foundation funds each student's tuition, room and board, and research fees. The renewable awards total up to $52,000 each year.

  UNCF
  8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
  Fairfax, VA 22031
  908-423-5655
  uncf.org

Special Libraries Association

• The Special Libraries Association Scholarship Program awards an Affirmative Action Scholarship for graduate study in library science. Candidates are eligible for one non-renewable $6,000 scholarship every year. Eligible candidates must be members of a minority group. Applicants must provide proof of candidacy plus an official transcript in addition to a resume demonstrating library work.

  Special Libraries Association
  331 South Patrick St.
  Alexandria, VA 22314-3501
  703-647-4900
  sla.org